Cold water immersion survival

Codger_64

Codger_64

Moderator
Joined
Oct 8, 2004
Messages
62,324
Here is a topic that is near and dear to my heart because my lifelong favorite recreation involves being on the water, quite often early and late in the year when both water and air temperatures are cool, if not cold. And it does not take freezing weather or icey water for a person to get into trouble if immersed unexpectedly without proper equipment and/or experience and training.

I am currently looking at acquiring some new equipment for early spring paddling and my search (and advice from paddling forum friends) is really opening my eyes to the latest and greatest in cold water research and safety equipment and techniques.

Here is a "teaser" video put out by a group doing research and training:

[video=youtube;J1xohI3B4Uc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1xohI3B4Uc[/video]

You can buy the entire video here.

Using this and other information, I am redefining my early and late year canoeing kit. First, I am upgrading my PFD. And making a resolution to wear it even on warm days when I don't "think" there is any danger of upset on my class I-II streams. The research shows that immersion danger persists up to 68 degrees water temperature.

My current old-style PFDs are the flat foam panel construction which, while they provide enough floatation and adequate torso coverage for some warmth retention, they tend to ride up a bit, and are so long that they are uncomfortable to wear when seated and paddling a canoe, or when swimming. Most casual fishing, ski and PWC vests are made this way. I am looking at more modern designs of paddling specific vests. They are designed to give more bouyancy with less restriction of movement and importantly, more comfort to the wearer. I think I might be prone to keep it on more often.

I'll retain the old style PFDs and keep them onboard for loaners or for guests paddling my spare canoes. A paddler on the forum this past year learned the hard way about being a good samaritan and the consequences. After rescuing an "unhorsed" canoeist and giving him a ride, they found themselves with $250 worth of green stamps (fine) for not having a PFD onboard for their guest. Year round, I see rentals not wearing their PFDs and frequently chase free-floating orange rental vests after a swamping. And at times, I have been as guilty as anyone of using my PFD as a seat cushion in warm weather.

Next, I need to purchase (and practice using) a good throw bag. They don't cost much and come in quite handy in retrieving accidental swimmers without having to physically approach them in the water.

I am going to add a small dry bag (even on daytrips, but particularly in cool weather) containing a dry change of clothes (probaby fleece from Mil-surp or Goodwill) and an emergency foil blanket bag for changing and rewarming. I'll add a second to my canoe when funds allow.

For early and late season, I am looking at buying a a two-piece dry suit. And a warm-when-wet beanie hat. Most experienced paddlers prefer a one-piece dry suit, but they are quite expensive, $650-$1,200. And eather works better with a fleece base layer.

I need to upgrade my paddling dedicated first aid kit. It doesn't need to be complicated or expensive, just a little more comprehensive than the hiking type pocket kit I carry now.

I need to assemble a z-drag kit for unpinning boats. Currently all I can do is help paddlers get to shore and recover gear. Occasionally I can umpin a boat if sheer manpower will do it, but I don't have the materials on hand to move a boat that is really stuck. That requires the mechanical advantage of prussik loops, caribiners and pulleys.

I would like to take a swiftwater rescue course. Not that I intend to intentionally become a first responder, but I have found myself in that position more than once over the years. States with active paddling clubs schedule these several times a year with certified instructors. Costs vary, but usually around $100 with discounts for club members or ACC members. Even if you don't frequent swift water or cold water, it is a good idea to learn the basics. And you can make a start on this without attending a formal course or acquiring specialized equipment. Knowledge is power.

Michael
 
The good news is you are not going to die of hypothermia without a PFD, the bad news is you are going to drown!

I did a little very unscientific test once. Three of us were at Myrtle Beach, SC after Thanksgiving- a real cold snap was on for them. We dared each other to walk into the surf, but then we made it more interesting- I wore my medium weight military Polypropelene bottoms and top, one wore jeans and a sweatshirt("street clothes") with a windbreaker, the last wore a nylon jogging suit. I do not know the wtare temp but lets us say that shrinkage was immediate.

The guy in street clothes could not swim from the start due to waterlogged clothes. I and teh guy in nylon suit had good movement for swimming- after the first few minutes we went to chest deep water and just stood still. At 15 about minutes the guy in street clothes could no longer take it(100.00 bet) and walked out. At 20 minutes the guy in jogging suit was out. At 40 minutes I had enough and walked out. Each of us took some time before we could walk normally due to muscles being so stiff. I bought dinner that night :)

When I fish early Spring water, I wear my poly top and bottom, swim trunks and poly socks in Teva sandals- along with my PFD. I try to avoid clothes that become water logged. That dry suit sounds like a great thing to have for people frequently on cold water. I have wondered how wetsuits would be? I see them on the used market for not that much $$$

The only person I ever pulled out of a river was dressed in quilted pants, boots and a heavy jacket. Normally a good swimmer, he took a dunk in Early April water and was unable to make shore in a ribver maybe 50 yards wide. It was a cold morning and he dressed appropriately for a walk in the woods but no PFD.

Bill
 
My paddling buds and I have had some wetsuit discussions. Problem is, they work when wet inside after you body has warmed up the water in them. For me, the neoprene is very fatigueing to move in, as in extended paddling. And either wet or dry suit is for near naught without head protection. At least regarding immersion, not just some wave splash. So a fleece or neoprene hood is needed, even under the now familiar whitewater helmet. Heat loss through the scalp is enormous and for some folk, nearly instantly debilitating if the water is very cold.

Also, there are two or three different types of drysuits. Ones for scuba, rescue suits, and paddler suits. Rescuers like the Mustang have built in floatation so a seperate PFD isn't required. Scuba has air chucks so compressed air can be added. Mussel shell divers here use them to circulate heated water in their suits. The ones most used by paddlers have several layers, reenforcements at wear spots, latex cuffs and neck rings and waterproof zippers. The better ones have relief zippers as well. And they depend on base layers for warmth.
 
I agree that whatever you wear neds to move well and not chafe- or it will not be worn. It would have to be thin and light but still breathable. Sounds a bit like Goretex but I admit ignorance as to what is available.

:) My head is nearly bald and what hair I have is less than 1/2" long. So heat loss through the head is something I am very familiar with. It does not take much for my head to rebel. I like the fleece beanies the Mil issues for underhelmet use. Nice and soft and dries very easily. I also like my UnderArmour balaclavas, the facial covering is a separate piece and is comfortable when tucked under the chin and it works well as a neck gaiter if you prefer. Nither of the above takes up much space and the balaclava will even fit in jeans hip pocket when folded.

Bill
 
My daughter called last night to see if I would take her family canoeing this weekend. I checked river conditions first. Then weatehr conditions. Water temps in the mid to high 40's. Air temps in the mid to high 50's with partly sunny skies. Nope. It is one thing to take risks and be responsible for yourself and quite another to take risks with the safety of others. And the odds of an upset were too great with her neew husband and stepdaughter never having canoed before. I would have been hesitant had it just been my daughter, who has been in a cane since she was a young child. But combined air and water temps, and lack of cold water gear made it a no-go, even in that scenario.

As bad as I want to paddle right now, I refuse to let good judgement be overridden by ego or adventure seeking.
 
If I was canoeing, I don't very often, in colder conditions, I think I'd try a surfing type of farmer john wet suit over heavy polypropylene with a hood. Or over heavy fleece with a hood.
 
I need to get better gear for colder water for sure.

I have been itching to get out already, and there is still ice in places on the lakes.

I did not think about it too much until last year.


I dumped my canoe with my son in it. We were on the lake, just a few hundred yards from my house. The weather was nice when we started. A large group went out in canoe's and kayaks.

After about 40 minutes the wind really whipped up. One group got blown down the lake.

Instead of putting my boy ashore, I grabbed another adult and put him in the middle. We went to go try and tow the other canoe back. We turned, the wind hit us sideways, at the same time as a 2-3 foot swell.

We both had our paddles out switching sides (the front paddler was not at all experienced, though I did not know this).

I was only worried about my phone, and wallet. I just swam and towed the canoe to shore (it was close enough that it was quicker than trying to right it and dump it out in the deep water. We got the canoe upright and emptied out, and put the kid back in. I was fin. The other adult was fine. My skinny little boy really got cold! He was shivering and miserable. The wind really took the heat out of him! (I did not have a coat or jacket because it was warm weather).

It was really just a quick dip (no more than 5 minutes in the water). But it made me think how quick a little kid could have gotten hypothermia.

I am big enough that I am not going to have a real hard time finding warm gear! I have a hard enough time finding jackets and pants for snowboarding etc.
 
I have gone winter kayaking in the Boston area, it's great fun BUT we just don't do it without wearing drysuits; it's too dangerous. A good kayaking/canoeing drysuit will run you 800.00 plus dollars, but they are really the only thing that is both comfortable to paddle in and safe. Having tried the 2-piece option, I'd say yes, they will work but not as well as a full drysuit, you will still get some slight leakage if submerged. Whatever you get, be sure to get a breathable model; otherwise you will be quite miserable in a very short time (damp and clammy!) And always be sure to bring an extra warm layer that will fit OVER your other clothes, keep it stored in a drybag just in case... Happy paddling!
 
Having been in a few rather poorly planned canoe trips, I agree with your statements on cold water. It will sneak up on you, and that few minutes you think you have vanishes quick. Throw bags are very handy, make life so much better, and you know that your rescue rope is good to go, not knotted and tangled around your feet.
Bigfattyt, I've been that skinny little kid in the canoe before, and its not fun. Glad you all made it out safe, great reminder that you have to consider the lowest denominator of comfort and capability.
 
This conversation is continuing also on my paddling site. One new member, a new paddler (new to cold weather paddling) is 6' and 280#. He also was having a tough time finding a drysuit. Another member pointed to an online store that was having a closeout on the Kokatat Men's Tropos 3 Swift Entry Drysuit, at $380. They still had size XL last night. Now, I know that sounds like a lot of money - and it is - but what is the cost of emergency treatment? Or a life?

Of course, just being aware of the dangers of cool water and cool weather helps one make better decisions. Such as the "go-nogo" with my daughter and her family this weekend. It also prompts one to make better equipment choices, beyond the aforementioned dry suits (such as throw ropes, dry bags of spare dry clothes etc.).

And when you do feel prepared for yourself and your boatmates, what about other people you might run into on the river? This is the scenario I run into on the river most often. I and my boatmate are warm and dry but we have to come to the rescue of others who are not. On most rivers, there are no lifeguards. And seldom nearby first responders. That means that even if you avoid immersion problems yourself, YOU might be the only available first responder. Recovery from the water is often the easiest part. IMHO, obligations to help fellow boaters does not end there.
 
I used to do canoeing and kayaking in the Arctic and once in the Antarctic. Standard issue up north is the survival suit ( bright yellow or red Mustang) which is probably most useful for helping retrieve your dead floating body. After my first trip I learned what to wear underneath so I didn't freeze half to death again when I stopped after sweating to check out the route ahead. Much better is a drysuit or a two piece combo. If you do the 2 piece right it won't leak but a one piece is better. Mine is a kokatat (xxl) which I had customized with a relief zipper because it's not pleasant and is time consuming to undress when it's cold and you're sweaty. These can get terribly expensive if you go to goretex. Wetsuits work better for some than others. It'll keep you alive, but not happy. After a swim you'd better be able to make a fire and dry off or you won't last long. Don't underestimate how easy it is to get hypothermia even when the air is warm and the water is cold. And the shock of falling in even southern waters is surprising until it has happened to you and you can't catch your breath.
 
"...better be able to make a fire"...

Of all the various fire making techniques discussed and experimented with on this site and others, I suggest the road flare and an accelerant for the dire "need a fire and need it now , little or no dexterity, no effing around" scenario a cold water dunking can bring about.
 
Codger_64 said:
"...better be able to make a fire"...

Of all the various fire making techniques discussed and experimented with on this site and others, I suggest the road flare and an accelerant for the dire "need a fire and need it now , little or no dexterity, no effing around" scenario a cold water dunking can bring about.
Click to expand...
I totally agree, we often take a tiny white gas stove and fuel canister in the emergency drybag, just for this purpose (makes for a nice lunch stop as well). Also, some of those instant heat packs can come in handy. And extra warm/dry clothes...
 
RE: helping others, So true, you never know when someone may need help; my emergency XL size polargard parka that I always bring along (it packs down really small) has been used by several other people, only once by me. I bring it even in summer if the water is cold.
 
geargeek said:
RE: helping others, So true, you never know when someone may need help; my emergency XL size polargard parka that I always bring along (it packs down really small) has been used by several other people, only once by me. I bring it even in summer if the water is cold.
Click to expand...

So , realisticly speaking, I need to get three more small drybags. One for me and my occasional canoe-mates, and one for a possible rescue. In rescues in years past, my mate and myself each donated a piece of our own warm, dry clothing. In one instance, I put a young girl in a jumbo garbage bag to float her out. Just stopping the evaporative cooling helped somewhat.

But... a part of our continuing outdoor experience is learning and continuously preparing better to help ourselves be safe as well as comeing to the aid of others. I'll be hitting the local Salvation Army, Goodwill and second hand stores in the next few weeks looking for cheap, servicible old fleece garments. And watchcaps. Covering a wet head is very important. I should be able to get a single suit into a 5L drybag. Hmmm. Attach a "return to" tag and mark the clothes... then I can just hand it over to someone in need who is already out of the water but consumed with the shivers. And paddle on if the situation allows. They can mail it back to me. Or not for no big loss.

One more detail I have run into in the past, an elderly man I rescued once. He took off his PFD to don my fleece jacket and was reluctant to put his wet PFD back on. I had him do so, not only because I was transporting him to a Ranger at the takeout in my canoe, but for the added insulation it provided, even wet.
 
Codger,
Just a thought but a cheap way to transport clothing and keep it dry is the foodsaver vacuum bags. The Spacsaver luggage bags are pretty good as well. Just a big tough ziploc with an air valve.
A few warm selections from the local goodwill and a food vacuum bag and you are out less than 10.00 if they keep the clothes and bag.

Bill
 
I picked up a L. L. Bean marked Patagonia fleece jacket tonight on that auction place for $7 and shipping. That's a start. It is an older style full zip that is discontinued, but it is a good design and good quaility. I know because it is a duplicate of one I've owned and used for six or seven years. I may have found a killer deal on a like-new Kokatat dry suit too. I might just be paddling the first week of March this year. Now off to sell some knives to pay for all this gear!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top